What Should I do if I Hit an Unoccupied Vehicle?
Flagstaff, AZ car accident attorneys are here to provide the necessary steps you want to take if you incur this type of situation.
Car accidents range in severity and can occur in a number of different ways. You could be backing up in a parking lot and hit the vehicle parked directly behind you. Maybe you crossed through a stop sign and failed to yield to the right of way of another driver. Either way, there are certain steps that need to be taken after engaging in a car collision.
Although there are certain things that are required on your part after being involved in an accident, what is a person to do if the automobile that they hit is unoccupied? Do you leave the scene if the owner doesn’t come out? Should you report the accident to local police?
If you hit an unoccupied vehicle, you want to handle the situation as if there was a driver present.
These are both legitimate questions and while it may seem confusing on how to handle a situation involving an unoccupied vehicle, the process is nearly the same as if someone had been inside the car. So, whether it is a serious accident that has left a major dent on the other motorist’s car, or it is something as small as a ding on the bumper, you are going to want to handle the incident like any other type of car accident.
- First, it would be wise to take photos of the scene of the accident as well as the damage. This will serve as your evidence and proof when a claim is eventually filed.
- Next, it is also recommended that you wait to see if the owner comes out to their vehicle. Again, if it is in a parking lot, they may be out within 10-20 minutes, but if you are at the mall or an office building, that could take more time so if you don’t have enough of it to waste on waiting, here’s what you can do.
- Flagstaff, AZ car collision attorneys suggest that you place your basic information on the vehicle you hit. Things like your name, phone number, and even address should be left where the driver can see it. This information will allow the owner of the vehicle to contact you and get a claim filed for the damage. Don’t forget to contact your local police department if you ever engage in an accident with an unoccupied car.
- Next, and this step is rather important, you need to report the accident to your local police department. Flagstaff car accident attorneys nearby note that if you leave the scene of the accident without reporting it, you are at risk of being charged for fleeing the scene of a crash. Therefore, do not leave until a report has been written and documented by local officials.
Once the owner of the vehicle learns their car has been hit and proceeds on to file a claim, your insurer will then determine what the damage is worth and what you may be required to pay out of pocket. If you find the owner is filing for more damages than what was actually done, consider reaching out to a Flagstaff car accident lawyer at The Kaiser Law Group who can further assist with this dispute.